It's Bambi!

Gain Since Last Post: 692 ft.
Total Elevation Gain: 10,388 ft

Check out this groovy photo I snapped today of a deer crossing the trail ahead of me!  That's part of the reason I love getting out on my lunch hour.  One minute I'm sitting at my desk staring at a computer screen and the next minute I'm out playing chicken with Bambi.

Had a nice ride today up Hulls Gulch but man were my legs sore!  It's funny how one day you can feel great and the next day feel so tired.  I think my lack of sleep over the past few days is finally getting to me.  I was a little rushed on time and with the serious case of leg burn I had going on I didn't make my goal of getting all the way to the top of Hulls.

Hulls Gulch

Hulls Gulch Rock Pile

If you have an hour or so and want to go for a nice ride, Hulls Gulch is a solid choice.  It's about 3.4 miles from Camel's Back park to the top of Hulls with a gradual elevation gain of 800 feet (2750 to 3550).  I'd give Hulls a difficulty rating of moderate.  There's a rock pile on the way up where you'll more than likely have to walk your bike.  I guess there may be some out there who can do it but I'm not one of them.

This time of year the creek is running strong and the vegetation is green and thick.  The trail has plenty of rise and fall with a few blind spots so keep an eye out for those coming back down.  Once you're at the top you have three options.

1. You can turn back around and head back the way you came.
2. If you want more climbing, you can keep going and climb up the steep winding trail up to the 8th street upper parking lot.  This is a half mile grunt climbing an additional 250 feet up.   That's a slope of about 9.5%.  From there you can head down 8th or better yet, cross the road and head down Bob's Trail.
3. Your third option is to take the trail to the right and head down Crestline.  This is a fun trail if you want a good balance of speed and variety.  If I take this route I usually end up connecting with Kestral to get back to Camel's Back.

No matter what route you take you can't go wrong.  Have fun, be safe, and keep on ridin'!